What a brilliant LIV Golf debut for Aussie Elvis Smylie not only capturing event of the 2026 LIV season but helping steeer his all-Aussie Ripple GC team also to team success in Saudi Arabia.
Smylie’s effort was incredibly impressive as he made some fantastic shots down the stretch and handled the pressure with the poise of a veteran.
The 23-year-old, who had defeated now Ripper captain Cameron Smith in late 2024 to capture the Australian PGA Championship, posted a final-round 64 for a 24-under tally, one shot ahead of Spainard Jon Rahm.
In contrast to the scenes at Royal Brisbane in December 2024, it was Smith embracing Smylie, and who collected a cool $4m for his win and with Smith sharing 13th in the individual format.
Smylie is also the first player to win in his LIV Golf debut since Henrik Stenson won LIV Golf Bedminster in 2022.
ELVIS A No. SMASH HIT ON HIS @livgolf_league DEBUT …
As Elvis Smyle not only wins #LIVGolfRiyadh on his debut but helps steer his @rippergc_ to
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— Fatiha (@TOURMISS) February 7, 2026
“It’s a dream come true,” Smylie said. “I really didn’t know what to expect this week. Playing at night is obviously a whole different ballgame out here.
“I wanted to come out here and make a statement. I wanted to prove that I’m one of the best out here, and I feel like I’ve done that, and it’s only up from here.”
Rahm gave Smylie a run for his money, posting a final day 63, and the lowest round of the week. The Legion XIII captain ended the round with four consecutive birdies, including the par-4 18th where he hit a massive drive onto the green, leaving himself about 15 feet for eagle. Despite coming up just short for the week, it was a valiant effort from the reigning LIV Golf Individual Champion.
Peter Uihlein finished in third place, which was his first podium finish since LIV Golf Las Vegas in 2024. The RangeGoats GC veteran shot a bogey-free 67.
The all-Aussie Ripper GC team win the opening event of the 2026 LIV Golf season. Image LIV GOLF
Led by their unflappable rookie, Ripper GC won the team title by three shots over Torque GC. The win matches their win total from last season when they won LIV Golf Miami for their lone victory of the year.
Smylie’s teammates Cameron Smith, Marc Leishman and Lucas Herbert all made significant contributions, and each finished in the top 24 individually.
And Smylie, along with Herbert who shared ninth place, will be among the first LIV players to earn World Rankings Points following last week’s news.
